The Day of the Lord #2

Read Joel 2

Background: Having given a description of a devastating locust invasion in chapter 1, he then compared that picture to "The Day of the Lord," a time of judgment.  In this chapter he twice gives the command to "Blow the Trumpet", calling for a holy convocation of God's people.  After detailing the destruction which would come, he then gave an important announcement that needed to be made to the whole congregation: The Day of the Lord is coming, near, and there is a need for repentance. 

Key Verses: 12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13     and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
    and he relents over disaster.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
    and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
    for the Lord your God?

Thoughts: This was a turning point, as apparently the people did repent. The chapter goes on to describe both the physical and spiritual blessings that came upon Judah because of that repentance. By the end of the chapter God announces another Day of the Lord in the future of even greater magnitude, which again would be following by a greater restoration. Repentance is never out of style.